Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 11/18/2010

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CASE #3 Review Park Dedication Survey and Provide Recommendation for 2011 By: Mark Riverblood, Parks Supervisor Background: The purpose of this case is to review a 2010 Park Dedication survey and provide a recommendation to City Council for 2011. Attached is a 32-city 2010 survey that includes several similar metro suburban communities like the City of Ramsey. Observations: As the survey highlights, the average single family rate is $3,408 per unit with Ramsey's existing rate approximately 27% less. Similarly, the average Commercial Park Dedication rate is $6,041 per acre and Industrial at $5,607. Ramsey's rates are $4,738 per acre for Commercial development and $3,966 for Industrial respectively. The average of the Commercial and Industrial Park Dedication fees discussed above find Ramsey at about 26% below the average of survey respondents. Trail Fees are not named in the survey, so this analysis is not provided within this case. Staff Recommendation: While Ramsey's Park Dedication fee schedule appear to be lower than many communities, staff also believes that a balance must be identified that captures an appropriate amount of revenue for park and trail improvements — with that of remaining competitive. This last point would seem particularly poignant with respect to promoting commercial development within the COR. Therefore, staff is recommending the rates be as shown in the table below, which provides for no change for 2011 aside from the density discount discussed by the Commission earlier this year.